1996 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Kia Potentia
To start off, 2002 Kia Potentia is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Kia Potentia weights approximately 255 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Kia Potentia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 Kia Potentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Kia Potentia (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Kia Potentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2002 Kia Potentia has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Kia Potentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2002 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | Civic | Potentia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
